Canines aid cancer fight at Bark for Life’

Petunia, a 10-year-old Australian cattle dog, sported a pink tutu Saturday at the American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life event at Southwind Park.

The event recognized dogs that help their owners fight cancer and dogs that have been diagnosed with the disease. Petunia fell into the second category.

Kayla Sprague, Petunia’s owner, said that because of Petunia’s advanced age, she decided to let nature take its course and allow her to die peacefully. Saturday, however, Petunia enjoyed a day at the park.

“She’s taught me so much about life,” Sprague said. “She’s living each day the best she can. She loves her squeaky toys and going for walks. She just enjoys every day the best she can.”

Sprague was one of about 75 people who attended the Bark for Life of Sangamon/Menard County event. Dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes — St. Benard mix to dachshunds — participated.

Rachel Ray of Springfield, one of the Bark for Life organizers, said it was a partner event for the Relay for Life of Sangamon and Menard Counties. During the relay, teams of people walk from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. to raise money for cancer research and cancer support programs.

This year’s relay will be held June 21-22 at Lincoln Land Community College.

“This is an opportunity to bring the community together,” Ray said of the Bark for Life event. “We don’t have pets at the relay for life, so the Bark for Life event gives us an opportunity to focus on the pets that make a difference in our lives in regards to the fight against cancer.”

During Saturday’s event, there was a walk around Southwind Park, photos with the Easter Bunny and an Easter egg hunt.

“It’s been a great day,” said Lou Robisch of Springfield, another Bark for Life organizer.

Robisch said the money raised during the event will be used for a variety of programs, including Look Good Feel Good, which provides people going through chemo therapy with wigs, scarves and makeup. The event raised about $800.

“It really helps them feel better and look good. When you are fighting cancer, sometimes you just don’t feel that way,” Robisch said.

Sprague said she got Petunia Sept. 10 from Morgan County Animal Control. She originally intended to foster the dog, but decided to adopt her. She said Petunia has shown her the importance of living life to the fullest.

“Not everybody is given every day,” Sprague said. “You don’t know what is going to happen in life. You just need to see the best in every day.”

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